Events: Kid’s Korner in December 2012

Get into the holiday spirit with a
festive show, spend the day with native
animals, and build your own snow globe

Rosemary O'Connor

Published: 11/21/2012

Storytime

Dec. 10: Max and Ruby in the Nutcracker Bunny siblings Max and Ruby are very excited — Grandma is taking them to see The Nutcracker. But when a snowstorm hits and blocks all the roads, the theater is forced to cancel the show. Good thing Grandma knows the story by heart. As she recites the magical tale, the characters come to life, and Max and Ruby even get to participate in the ballet. 3:30 & 6:30 p.m. $25-$40. • Tarrytown Music Hall. 13 Main St., Tarrytown. 914-631-3390 or www.tarrytownmusichall.org

Active Animals

Dec. 27: Talk to the Animals Discover how Valley animals survive the long, cold winter at the Mohonk Preserve. Get to know creatures like Spot the Turtle at the indoor visitor center, and learn how his family lives in the wild. Don’t leave without creating a collage of your favorite critter. 10 a.m., reservations required. • Visitor Center. 3197 Rte. 55, Gardiner. 845-255-0919 or www.mohonkpreserve.org

Off to the theater

Dec. 1: Rip Van Winkle What would you do if you took a 20-year nap? Find out what Rip Van Winkle, the Valley’s most famous sleeper, does when he wakes up in this interactive show at the Rhinebeck Center for Performing Arts. 11 a.m. $9, $7 children. Dec. 22: Puppet People: A Christmas Carol Don’t be a Scrooge. Learn the true meaning of Christmas as Dickens’s timeless tale is retold on stage by masterful puppeteers. 11 a.m. $9, $7 children. • 661 Rte. 308, Rhinebeck. 845-876-3080 or www.centerforperformingarts.org

Nature’s bounty

Dec. 1: Beeswax Candles 101 Bees make more than just honey — and you can use their beeswax to make a craft. Take the wax they leave behind in their hives and assemble your very own candle to light throughout the holidays. 10 a.m. $13, $10 children. Pre-registration recommended. Dec. 9: Snow Globe Workshop Let it snow! Put a friendly snowman in a recycled jar, fill it with fake snow, and voila! You have a homemade snow globe. 10 a.m. $7, $5 children. • Hudson Highlands Nature Museum. 100 Muser Dr., Cornwall. 845-534-5506 or www.hhnaturemuseum.org

Rockin’ around the Christmas tree

Dec. 1-2: A Child’s Christmas Kick off your shoes and gather ’round the tree at Clermont State Historic Site. Sing “Jingle Bells” and hear a live recitation of “The Night Before Christmas.” To remember your day, cut out your own paper snowflakes — the more intricate the better — and take home a new plush toy. Finish up with some scrumptious hot chocolate, doughnuts, and candy canes. Recommended for ages 3-10. 10 a.m. $4. • 1 Clermont Ave., Germantown. 518-537-6622 or www.friendsofclermont.org